Ch.3 - The Constitution

Chapter Objectives

Section 1: Basic Principles

• Understand the basic outline of the Constitution.
• Understand the six basic principles of the Constitution: popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism

Section 2: Formal Amendment

• Identify the four different ways by which the Constitution may be formally changed.
• Explain how the formal amendment process illustrates the principles of federalism and popular sovereignty.
• Understand that several amendments have been proposed, but not ratified.
• Outline the 27 amendments that have been added to the Constitution.

Section 3: Change by Other Means

• Identify how basic legislation has added to our understanding of the Constitution over time.
• Describe the ways in which the executive and judicial branches have interpreted the Constitution.
• Analyze the role of party practices and custom in interpreting the Constitution.

Chapter 3 Assignments

• Complete the worksheet - Reading Comprehension - 0133_mag09_Ch03s1_RC.pdf,
• Complete worksheet - Extended Worksheet - 0133_mag09_Ch03s1_RC.pdf

• Discuss the principles of the Constitution: popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism.
• Read pages 76-77 in the book and complete handout on Marbury v. Madison.
• Research the court case that you were assigned for discussion tomorrow. Court cases include: Clinton v. Jones, 1997; Furman v. Georgia, 1972; Dred Scott v. Sandford, 1857; Brown v. Board of Education, 1954; or Bush v. Gore, 2000.

• Read ch. 3, sec. 2 - Formal Amendment, pages 78-83.

• Read ch. 3, sec. 3 - Change by Other Means, pages 85-88.
• Complete the worksheets on Ch. 3, sections 2 and 3.